Vallerret’s Senja Mitts bridge the gap between bulky over-mitts and more flexible zip mitts, Angela Nicholson braved the cold to test them for our review
Amateur Photographer verdict
Vallerret Senja Mitts are a great choice for photographers who shoot in freezing conditions. They’re really warm but give quick access to your camera when needed. Matched liners cost extra, though.
- Excellent insulation for sub-zero use
- Flip-Tech thumb and mitt allow easy camera access
- Over-cuff design seals out snow and wind
- Bulky for stashing in pockets
- You need to guide the magnets together
- Liner gloves are an additional purchase
The Vallerret Senja Mitt is a heavy-duty winter photography mitt designed to provide exceptional warmth and practical camera control in severe cold. Sitting between the Skadi Zipper Mitt PSP and the Alta Arctic Mitt in Vallerret’s warmth hierarchy, the Senja is a high-performance mitt aimed at serious outdoor shooters.
Vallerret Senja Mitt at a glance:
- €119.95 (around £103.95)
- Goat leather and DWR-laminated twill
- Polartec fleece and dual 5oz insulation
- Flip-Tech thumb and mitt section with magnets
- Over-the-cuff gauntlet design
- Storm leash and wrist strap included
- photographygloves.com
The gloves combine DWR-treated goat leather, laminated twill and a faux leather palm with Polartec fleece and dual 5oz insulation to deliver warmth without making your hands feel like flippers. While they’re not quite as toasty as the Alta Arctic Mitts, they’re impressively snug, especially when paired with the matching Senja Liners (sold separately). I tested them in windy, chilly conditions and found them reliably warm. They’re overkill for the average UK winter day, but perfect for extreme cold snaps and alpine adventures.
Vallerret Senja Mitt key features:
- Flip-Back Access: The zip and flip-top thumb cover allow you to get your fingers and thumb on your camera quickly.
- Warm Lining: Polartec fleece and thick insulation for deep-winter warmth.
- Secure Fit: Adjustable wrist strap and over-cuff gauntlet block out wind and snow.
- Safe Storage: Elastic loops on leashes let you drop the gloves but keep them near.
Getting your fingers on your camera is straightforward thanks to Vallerret’s Flip-Tech design. A waterproof zip opens the main mitt section, and the top folds back to reveal your fingers. Meanwhile, the thumb cap pulls back independently. Magnetic closures hold the flaps securely, though you may need to guide them into place due to the bulky insulation.
In practice, I usually unzip and open only the right mitt for operating my camera, keeping my left hand fully covered for warmth. The zipped opening is generous and the long pull tab is easy to grasp – though, as with other Vallerret mitts, I occasionally used my teeth to pull it open.
The over-cuff gauntlet is deep enough to fit comfortably over even my thick Fjällräven parka sleeves, creating a windproof seal. The included storm leash and elastic wrist strap are especially useful when you want to drop the gloves quickly and get your camera to your eye, but they can be removed if you prefer. I find them especially beneficial when I want to act quickly with my camera.
Unopened, the mitts are, inevitably, a bit bulky when holding a camera between shots, so a strap is a must. But once open, you get decent freedom of movement for your fingers and thumb. The fit is forgiving, and the sizing guide on Vallerret’s website proved accurate for my hands.
Layering Options
The Senja Mitt is designed to be paired with the Senja Liner (€34.95), a Polartec glove that adds warmth and preserves dexterity. Buying both gives you the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions. The liner can also be used on its own for lighter duties, with touchscreen tips for your index finger and thumb, and a textured grip on the palm.
Vallerret Senja Mitt – Our Verdict
Vallerret’s Senja Mitts are a superb choice for photographers who brave deep-winter conditions. They strike an excellent balance between warmth and functionality, with thoughtful details that cater specifically to photographers. While not quite as warm as the Alta Arctic Mitts, they offer more dexterity, better fit and a less cumbersome feel.
Related reading:
- OTEX XT-850 Premium Gloves review – I think these might be the very best winter gloves for photographers
- The Heat Company Heat 2 Softshell Gloves review – cosy gloves for photographers
- Vallerret Alta Arctic Mitt review
- Vallerret Skadi Zipper Mitt PSP review
- Vallerret Saga Women’s Gloves: the go-to choice for women photographers
- Vallerret Markhof PRO V3 Gloves Review
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